The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As a Mayor for all Londoners, I want to say loud and clear that our city is open to everyone – regardless of background or sexuality. We don’t simply tolerate each other, but respect, embrace and celebrate our differences. GFEST is a unique event in London’s cultural calendar, reaching out to the wider international LGBTQI community and celebrating the work of LGBTQI artists and performers. It showcases our diversity and highlights our reputation as one of the most LGBT friendly cities in the world.”